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Car thief suspect found asleep in evidence

Mt. Juliet officers charged a suspect found in a car he apparently stole Christmas Day.

According to police spokesperson Tyler Chandler, as the stolen car victim was dropping off gifts at a home in west Tennessee, the offender took the opportunity to steal the car. Since the vehicle was left unlocked and running, it made for an easy target.

Chandler said Alex Cartwright, 24, of Memphis, was found sleeping in the car in Mt. Juliet.

According to Chandler, Sgt. Scott Fulton, who was investigating a report of a suspicious vehicle in the area, spotted the stolen 2011 Mitsubishi Gallant parked behind the Sprint store on Adam’s Lane on Thursday around 1:30 p.m.

Fulton was not immediately aware of it reported stolen, but a computer check alerted him. The victim reported the car stolen to Collierville Police police, and they entered the vehicle’s information into a national database so other law enforcement agencies would be aware, Chandler said.

“Reports of suspicious behavior from citizens is very useful,” said police Chief James Hambrick. “We were alerted of the suspicious behavior by a citizen, and it gave us the opportunity to take a thief off the streets.”

Fulton and other officers approached the stolen car and found Cartwright sleeping in the back seat. Chandler said the investigation revealed Cartwright apparently stole the car and stopped in Mt. Juliet to beg for money. Cartwright was charged with theft of property and booked into the Wilson County Jail on $15,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 9.